Just you and I

XXXVIX

(POV Saylor)

It's officially my first day at the art internship, I'm nervous, but also excited. I can't believe I tried to use this as an escape from everything, especially from Dani; just for her to show up unexpectedly.
I'm not sure how an internship works, but I'm about to find out.

The campus is beautiful, but the building beats all my expectations. There's art everywhere, they have a giant piano in front of the building, fake of course, but giant, paintings and murals covering the walls. I enter the room I'm supposed to be in, and take a seat on one of the chairs. There's a few other people in here too, but they don't seem too social, considering they're all on their phones. I shoot Dani a quick text saying I found the right room, Sofia and her walked me to campus and I almost cried walking away from them.

About ten minuter later, a lady walks in, she's dressed in a long black skirt and colorful top, definitely the teacher. All the chairs in the room are filled now, but one.

"Hello everyone. I'm Mrs. Anna and I will be your mentor for this internship. Even though you are all very talented, you should all be grateful to be here. Out of thousands of students all over the country, only you 25 were chosen for this. Let's do introductions and then we'll get started."

We did introductions, and we're now exploring the building and all the different rooms they have.
After an hour we end up in the same room we started in, and we each get our own designated area. Once we all settle in, she clears her throat.

"All right, for these next weeks, you will each create something to display at the exhibition at the end of this internship that tells your story, why you deserve to be here, why you were picked. You have full freedom, you can use every and any room, every tool, make it yours. I'll be mentoring you through it all, so start making drafts."

Oh shit. I thought we'd have multiple assignments, not one big assignment that will be displayed at the exhibition. I put on my headphones and get to thinking.

--- time jump

It's been a week, I can't believe I'm halfway through the internship already. It's been amazing, Mrs. Anna is an incredible mentor. Soof and Dani have been the best supporters and are so excited to see what I'm doing. I've decided to not tell them, because it'd feel like a lot of pressure on me so they'll see it at the exhibition.

I'm at the internship every day, so it's been hard spending time with both of them, but every time I leave the building they're always right there waiting for me, just as excited to see me as the first time. I feel bad leaving Soof with Dani, but she's promised me over and over again she doesn't mind. So I just have to take her word for it. Doing this internship has been so good for me, and putting all my emotions and feelings in my artwork has been healing.

"Ms. Martin" I shake myself out of my thoughts, and look up. "Oh hi, Mrs. Anna, what's up?" She sits down and puts a hand on my shoulder. "I have an offer I want you to think about. I know you're not singing for your artwork, but I was wondering if you would like to perform at the exhibition next week. We have someone performing every year and I chose you this year, so it's all yours if you want it." I'm speechless, she chose me specifically? That's an honor. But performing in front of everyone?

"I'm honored, but I haven't performed in a long time now. I just haven't been in the right mindset I guess." I take a deep sigh. "I've seen you grow in just a week, your artwork for the exhibition is amazing. I wouldn't have picked you if I didn't think you could do it. I believe in you, the question is, do you?" She gets up, "I'll think about it." She nods and walks away.

I grab my stuff and head out. I wave at an excited Sofia and Dani waiting for me in the same spot as always. I grab Soof's hand on the left and Dani's on the right, it became a routine. "How was it, my love?" I smile at the nickname, "she wants me to perform next week." I say quietly, but she heard me. "That's awesome, are you going to?" I shrug my shoulders, "I'm not sure I'm ready yet." She squeezes my hand in hers, "I think you are, but I'll support whatever choice you make."

Dani and I have been doing a lot of talking, especially during the evening after putting Sofia to bed. From talking about random stuff, to Sofia, to the past, to the future and to life. I think I might be opening up after all. She's been making sure I eat and sleep, and I gotta say her getting on the plane might have been the best choice she's ever made.

Once we put Sofia to bed, yes we, she now wants us both to say goodnight to her, we go on the balcony like we do every night. I cuddle up next to her and lay my head on her chest. I listen to the waves crashing, the birds chirping, and Dani's steady heartbeat.

"Dani?"
"Yes?"
"Do you really think I can do the performance?"
"I really do."
"You pinky promise?"
I hold my pinky out and she wraps hers around mine.
"I pinky promise. You've come such a long way."
"Okay then."

"You're doing it?" She sits up and looks at me.
I nod. "On one condition." She frowns and waits for me to keep talking. I grab her hands in mine and take a deep breathe, "Dani Jones, will you be my date to the exhibition? Well you and Sofia of course." She smiles and nods, "of course, my love." She quickly moves her hands out of mine and puts them on my cheeks. She leans in and kisses me and I gladly return the kiss.